Welcome
Hello and welcome to the Chorley Spartans online!
The Chorley Spartans rugby league club was formed in 2006 to raise money for the Mike Gregory trust. In our first 2 outings we have raised over 6 thousand pounds for our respected charities. Here we are again for our third outing (our second as the Chorley Spartans), and this year we're aiming to go better!
This years matches will be played as a memorial to the great Mike Gregory, who as i'm sure you will know lost his fight to illness last November. It is hoped that Mike's wife, Erica will nominate our charity this year.
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Erica, Sam & Ben Gregory Visit To Show Their Support
Back in October 07 when Dave and Gary went to meet Mike and his family, Mike described his wife Erica as his “Rock” so it go’s without saying we were both proud and honoured to have Erica and her sons Sam and Ben with us at training on Sunday giving their support to the first of our “Memorial” fixtures.
A MESSAGE FROM ERICA.
“My family and I were delighted that another match was being held in Mike’s memory. When something like this happens, it is another way of keeping Mike’s memory alive and for the boy’s to realise what an amazing man their Father was. I never cease to be amazed that people with busy lives and issues of their own, will take the time and trouble to arrange events of this sort, I can only offer my sincere thanks and gratitude.
The funds raised from last years event went towards the Mike Gregory Trust, which has helped over the duration of Mike’s illness to pay towards medical bills, medication, adaptations and care. The trust was able to give Mike the best possible chance of getting better, unfortunately we ran out of time, but during his illness he was looked after at home with his family around him, this was his and my wish and the trust helped us achieve this. Furthermore the trust has given generous donations to Mike’s two chosen charities- The Motor Neurone Disease Association and Embrace, a local charity which helps people with all disabilities.
In addition to the above it is my personal hope that the Trust and some of the funds from today’s match could go to increasing awareness of Ticks and Tick-borne diseases. Mike and I have already increased awareness of Ticks and Tick-borne diseases through Mike’s book “Biting Back” but it would be wonderful if we could help fund research by Oxford University into Tick awareness. Last but by no means least the Trust and its Trustee’s have identified that they want to support the two most important people in Mike’s life- his children, Sam and Ben, so thank you in anticipation of your support of these two wonderful boys.
Yours Gratefully
Erica Gregory,
A MESSAGE FROM ERICA.
“My family and I were delighted that another match was being held in Mike’s memory. When something like this happens, it is another way of keeping Mike’s memory alive and for the boy’s to realise what an amazing man their Father was. I never cease to be amazed that people with busy lives and issues of their own, will take the time and trouble to arrange events of this sort, I can only offer my sincere thanks and gratitude.
The funds raised from last years event went towards the Mike Gregory Trust, which has helped over the duration of Mike’s illness to pay towards medical bills, medication, adaptations and care. The trust was able to give Mike the best possible chance of getting better, unfortunately we ran out of time, but during his illness he was looked after at home with his family around him, this was his and my wish and the trust helped us achieve this. Furthermore the trust has given generous donations to Mike’s two chosen charities- The Motor Neurone Disease Association and Embrace, a local charity which helps people with all disabilities.
In addition to the above it is my personal hope that the Trust and some of the funds from today’s match could go to increasing awareness of Ticks and Tick-borne diseases. Mike and I have already increased awareness of Ticks and Tick-borne diseases through Mike’s book “Biting Back” but it would be wonderful if we could help fund research by Oxford University into Tick awareness. Last but by no means least the Trust and its Trustee’s have identified that they want to support the two most important people in Mike’s life- his children, Sam and Ben, so thank you in anticipation of your support of these two wonderful boys.
Yours Gratefully
Erica Gregory,
The New Kit Unveiling!
Well! What another busy week it's been. We've had a bundle more sponsors come on board, some good raffle prizes donated, and also a signed Wigan Warriors Shirt donated, which we shall be auctioning off with proceeds going to the Mike Gregory Trust. We also unveiled our new kit that we shall be playing in on match day. So big thanks going to Stagg, for making the kits, and Steve Woods for stumping up the cash to purchase it. THANKYOU!
More News!
As game day approaches things seem to be coming together nicely both on the pitch and behind the scenes. All last year’s sponsors are back on board plus a few new ones which is really giving us a fantastic platform not only for this year but hopefully for the years to come as we continue to stage the Mike Gregory memorial and look to establish it firmly on the rugby calendar. This coming Sunday (22nd June) we are proud to have Erica Gregory attending our training session along with her two lads Sam and Ben who we hope will be kicking off both halves of the match for us so they going to get a little kick off coaching from our very own Toni Jane! We've received fantastic support from Erica and it means a lot to us to know she's behind us! Support from popular rugby figures also continues to come in this past week as none other than Phil Clarke got in touch to wish us good luck, unfortunately he can’t come on the day due to sky commitments but the fact he took the time to call us at all is very appreciated, thanks Phil!
The match day trophy has been arranged and thanks for this must go to the Wigan Riversiders! I've seen the pictures of it and it really is an impressive piece that I’m sure both teams will have one eye on come game day! Thank you George, Barbara and all the Riversiders for your fantastic contribution! Hopefully the lads of both teams are out there raising sponsor cash as we look to raise another respectable total, we do still need raffle prizes so if anyone can help on this please get in touch!
We have hopefully secured the services of funky monkey inflatable’s who will provide a bouncy castle free of charge, the proceeds of which will be split between ourselves and the panthers, big thanks to them! Game day food courtesy of Amanda Baxter and family is sorted and promises to be even better than last year’s! Our kit should hopefully arrive this week and we also hope to be gearing up on the publicity side by getting in as many of the local papers as possible as well as local radio to promote ourselves as well as the panthers tournament weekend. The press was massive for us last year so we'll certainly look to build on that this year. Already there's talk of where we can take things in the future, organising a sevens tournament in Mikes name as well as playing the now annual memorial match as been one idea thrown around as a way of raising cash for the cause? What do you think? Has anybody got any thoughts or ideas or would like to come on board and help us make these things happen?
Just over three weeks to the big day and things are looking good. Thanks so much to all involved for their hardwork, time and effort in hopefully making this year’s Mike Gregory memorial an even bigger success than last year’s!
Cheers Gary
The match day trophy has been arranged and thanks for this must go to the Wigan Riversiders! I've seen the pictures of it and it really is an impressive piece that I’m sure both teams will have one eye on come game day! Thank you George, Barbara and all the Riversiders for your fantastic contribution! Hopefully the lads of both teams are out there raising sponsor cash as we look to raise another respectable total, we do still need raffle prizes so if anyone can help on this please get in touch!
We have hopefully secured the services of funky monkey inflatable’s who will provide a bouncy castle free of charge, the proceeds of which will be split between ourselves and the panthers, big thanks to them! Game day food courtesy of Amanda Baxter and family is sorted and promises to be even better than last year’s! Our kit should hopefully arrive this week and we also hope to be gearing up on the publicity side by getting in as many of the local papers as possible as well as local radio to promote ourselves as well as the panthers tournament weekend. The press was massive for us last year so we'll certainly look to build on that this year. Already there's talk of where we can take things in the future, organising a sevens tournament in Mikes name as well as playing the now annual memorial match as been one idea thrown around as a way of raising cash for the cause? What do you think? Has anybody got any thoughts or ideas or would like to come on board and help us make these things happen?
Just over three weeks to the big day and things are looking good. Thanks so much to all involved for their hardwork, time and effort in hopefully making this year’s Mike Gregory memorial an even bigger success than last year’s!
Cheers Gary
Update!
Hello all!
Just a quick note to update everyone on how things are coming together as match day gets a lot closer! Firstly; I’ve spoken to Erica Gregory who has confirmed this year’s charity as the Mike Gregory memorial fund, Erica also said she would attend on the day and it is hoped Sam and Ben Gregory will kick off in each half! Wigan legend Joe Lydon will also attend and present the trophy to the winning side!
The match itself is now confirmed for Saturday 12th July, kickoff 3pm approx, a fitting end to a fantastic 1st day of rugby being played as part of the Chorley Panthers summer tournament. Our kit, courtesy of Steve Woods, has been ordered and will be with us shortly!
Sponsorship has started to roll in and we are happy to announce that to date all last year’s programme sponsors are back on board plus a few new ones. All will be entered on to our "sponsors" section as well as our match day programme in the days to come. Thank you very much!!!
We also took the step to name this year’s club captain, Dave Simm, awarded on pure merit; Dave’s effort is second to none this year. He's attended every training session, took it on himself to set up this web site not to mention producing our posters /sponsor forms etc. In his second year with us, Dave's enthusiasm has never diminished! Thanks Dave! Also a massive welcome to all the lads who've joined us over the last few weeks, it’s great to have you on board! again, thanks! In the coming weeks we'll be busy on the training ground getting the team ready, sponsor forms are ready to go out so let’s put a big effort into this eh?
We hope to get the press more involved, game day food and entertainment to be sorted, trophies to be ordered and before I forget, we are still on the lookout for raffle prizes so if you can help please feel free !!!! So generally we still got lots to do! Anyone who can help please do, it will be very appreciated!!!
Cheer’s .......Gary.
Just a quick note to update everyone on how things are coming together as match day gets a lot closer! Firstly; I’ve spoken to Erica Gregory who has confirmed this year’s charity as the Mike Gregory memorial fund, Erica also said she would attend on the day and it is hoped Sam and Ben Gregory will kick off in each half! Wigan legend Joe Lydon will also attend and present the trophy to the winning side!
The match itself is now confirmed for Saturday 12th July, kickoff 3pm approx, a fitting end to a fantastic 1st day of rugby being played as part of the Chorley Panthers summer tournament. Our kit, courtesy of Steve Woods, has been ordered and will be with us shortly!
Sponsorship has started to roll in and we are happy to announce that to date all last year’s programme sponsors are back on board plus a few new ones. All will be entered on to our "sponsors" section as well as our match day programme in the days to come. Thank you very much!!!
We also took the step to name this year’s club captain, Dave Simm, awarded on pure merit; Dave’s effort is second to none this year. He's attended every training session, took it on himself to set up this web site not to mention producing our posters /sponsor forms etc. In his second year with us, Dave's enthusiasm has never diminished! Thanks Dave! Also a massive welcome to all the lads who've joined us over the last few weeks, it’s great to have you on board! again, thanks! In the coming weeks we'll be busy on the training ground getting the team ready, sponsor forms are ready to go out so let’s put a big effort into this eh?
We hope to get the press more involved, game day food and entertainment to be sorted, trophies to be ordered and before I forget, we are still on the lookout for raffle prizes so if you can help please feel free !!!! So generally we still got lots to do! Anyone who can help please do, it will be very appreciated!!!
Cheer’s .......Gary.
